Update: July 25, 2005
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor reports of poliovirus transmission globally.
Indonesia
As of July 22, 2005, health authorities in Indonesia have confirmed an additional 6 cases of polio in West Java. Between May 02, 2005 and July 22, 2005, Indonesia has recorded a total of 155 cases in the neighbouring districts of Sukabumi, Lebak, Bogor, Cianjur, and Serang in West Java (also known as Jawa Berat); in the Demak district in Central Java (also known as Jawa Tengah); and in the provinces of Banten and Lampung. The viral strain in this outbreak has been confirmed as type-1 and is genetically linked to poliovirus circulating in Nigeria. Indonesia had been polio-free since 1995.
As of July 19, 2005, 793 cases of polio have been reported in the following countries: Yemen, Nigeria, Indonesia, Sudan, India, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Niger, Angola, Mali, and Cameroon.
Sources: Global Polio Eradication Initiative, World Health Organization (WHO)
Polio
Poliomyelitis, or polio, is an acute infectious disease caused by one
of three gastrointestinal viruses, either polio virus type 1, 2 or 3.
The polio virus can attack the nervous system and destroy the nerve cells
that activate muscles. As a result, the affected muscles no longer function,
and irreversible paralysis can occur. In severe cases, the disease may
lead to death. Polio mainly affects children under 3 years of age, but
can strike older children and adults as well.
For additional information on the prevention and treatment of polio, consult the Public Health Agency of Canada's Disease Information Backgrounder on Polio.
Recommendations
For Canadians travelling to countries where poliomyelitis occurs, primary immunization of children and, if indicated, primary immunization of adults or a booster dose for adults, are recommended in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).
As a reminder…
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadian international travellers contact a physician or travel medicine clinic prior to departure for an individual risk assessment. Based on travellers' current health status, previous immunization history and anticipated travel itinerary, their need for immunizations including polio can be assessed.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends as well, that travelers, who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada, should seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician, without being asked, that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada, and where they have been.
For additional information from the Public Health Agency of Canada:
Read the Travel Medicine Program's previous Travel Health Advisories on polio.
Consult the Public Health Agency of Canada's document: Immunizations
Recommended for Travel Outside of Canada.
Consult the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel Statement on Poliomyelitis Vaccination for International Travellers.
Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization NACI to view the Canadian Immunization Guide, 6th Edition.
For additional information from other sources
For information on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, including a breakdown of cases by country, visit: http://www.polioeradication.org.
Updated:
July 25, 2005
[Information for Travellers]
[Information for Travel Medicine Professionals]
